Historically, many of New York’s old lofts are characterized by deep, dark spaces with minimal exposure to natural light. Burdened by the need for partitions and privacy, much of the habitable space remains cut off from light and views. Light and Air’s approach sought creative ways to counter these existing conditions.
The design is predicated on the choreographed positioning of several sculptural elements throughout the apartment that aim to create a variety of distinct spaces while simultaneously preserving spatial continuity. Unlike typical walls, these elements - volumes - are considerably more versatile. They expand, contract, move up, down and engage each other compositionally so as to maximize the passage of light and vision throughout the loft.
Prioritizing spatial continuity, the design establishes a contiguous path of occupiable space, where flow throughout the apartment is not impeded by thin partitions, or swinging doors, but is instead, molded and shaped by porous, yet monumental forms that constitute an underlying armature for the architecture itself.
